The Sports Development Fund was started in 2006 as part of the Columbia Convention & Visitors Bureau Tourism Development Program and is made available through 1% of Columbia’s lodging tax. The tourism funds are awarded to those events, festivals and attractions that generate overnight stays in local hotels, have potential for growth and provide overall economic development.
Applications are accepted and reviewed by the CVB Advisory Board quarterly, or during January, April, July and October of each year. Applications must be received at least 120 days prior to the event start date and meet specific criteria as outlined in the application. Events are eligible for up to three years of funding and can be used for site fees, bid fees, trophies, medals, monetary awards, rights/sanction fees, and promotional materials.
Questions? Contact Adam Ziervogel at the Columbia CVB at 573-874-7734 or Adam.Ziervogel@como.gov.
FY2023 Sports Development Application
A partial list of past events that have been granted Sports Development Funds:
USA Rugby Fall College Regional Playoff
Special Olympics State Summer Games
SEC Swimming and Diving Championships
AJGA Stan Utley/Mind-America Junior Golf Foundation Championships
USA Swimming Speedo Sectionals
MSHSAA State Wrestling Championships
NAIA Volleyball National Championships
Midwest Campus Clash & Gaming Expo
Show-Me State Games
Missouri Middle School State Basketball Championships
NIRSA Region 16 Soccer Championships
USA Ultimate Midwest Throwdown
PDGA Tim Selinske U.S. Masters Championships
National Intercollegiate Wheelchair Basketball Championships